E/M Coding Alert - 2012 Issue 24
Kickbacks: Follow The Rules When Furnishing Bridge Services
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Article Overview
This article explains compliance considerations for hospice organizations that want to offer free bridge services or other no-cost patient support. It focuses on the role of the HHS Office of Inspector General, why these programs can raise kickback concerns, and the general categories of services and operational safeguards that matter when designing and monitoring a program. The piece is aimed at hospice administrators, compliance staff, and healthcare counsel.
Why This Topic Matters
Hospices and related providers may be tempted to offer free supportive services, but doing so without careful review can create fraud-and-abuse risk. Understanding the OIG’s approval process and the broad boundaries discussed in the article helps organizations evaluate whether a program should be submitted for review before launch.
What You Will Learn
- How hospice bridge-service programs can raise compliance concerns
- Why OIG review is important before offering free patient services
- What broad types of services and staffing approaches are discussed in connection with these programs
- How monitoring and program oversight fit into compliance planning
Who Should Read This
- Hospice administrators
- Compliance officers
- Healthcare attorneys
- Revenue integrity professionals
- Healthcare billing and coding professionals
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